About the path
Take a stroll along Te Auaunga (Oakley Creek), one of Auckland's longest urban streams.
Phyllis Reserve is a great place to start the walk, as there's parking available in the park. The walkway starts behind the number 2 sports field. You can also start your walk at Heron Park or from Great North Road.
The relatively narrow concrete path has some steep sections and stairs. It's great for walking but leave your pram, bikes and scooters at home.
The walkway goes through established bush, following Te Auaunga (Oakley Creek). The creek is rich in Māori and European heritage, with an abundance of native and exotic flora and fauna. This includes the threatened New Zealand longfin eel. In 2004, the Friends of Oakley Creek was established to help protect and preserve the creek environment and improve water quality.
From the bridges you can try racing sticks down the fast flowing creek.
After about ten minutes you'll come to one of Auckland's best kept secrets - a six-metre high natural waterfall. This is the highest urban waterfall in New Zealand and the only waterfall in central Auckland. If you want to get closer, take the steps down to enjoy the view of the waterfall. Check the conditions first, as water can be high following rain events. Please take note of the signs and don't swim in the water.
From the waterfall, the path continues onto Great North Road via another set of steps. You can turn around here and retrace your steps to the starting point, or continue back along Great North Road.
There are some great nearby playgrounds for kids to explore after the walk. Waterview Reserve (across Great North Road) is a family favourite, or check out the flying fox at Heron Park playground in the south. Heron Park offers an off-leash dog area - observe on site signage.
